The National Council Against Smoking would like to track the number of submissions that are sent to the NDOH so that we can continue to galvanise support for the Bill if the numbers of submissions are low. Can we ask you to please copy us at saverak@iafrica.com when you do send in your submission? Thank you so much.

Key improvements proposed in the Draft Bill

1. 100% smoke-free indoor public areas.

2. A ban on outdoor smoking in certain public areas, including in stadiums, beaches, hospital grounds and other public places.

3. The introduction of plain packaging of cigarettes with graphic health warnings and for this packaging to apply to all other devices used in connection with tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, water pipes and pipes. This means that all brands of cigarettes will be packaged in the same material and use the same font to indicate the name of the brand on the box.

4. The removal of all advertising at the point-of-sale of cigarettes.

5. A ban on smoking in any motor vehicle when a child under the age of 18 years is present and when there is more than one person present in that vehicle

6. The regulation of e-cigarettes in exactly the same way as combustible cigarettes, which means among other changes, that they will no longer be able to be advertised, and that health warnings on the packaging will be mandatory

7. A ban on smoking in any enclosed common areas of a multi-unit residence.
The Minister may prohibit smoking in any outdoor public place or workplace if they believe it would be in the public interest.

8. Stricter rules on the depiction of any tobacco products – including a ban on the sale of any confectionery or toy that resembles or is intended to represent a tobacco product.

9. Imprisonment or a fine depending on the severity of the offence. For example, those caught smoking in banned areas will receive a fine or prison time up to 3 months, while those found guilty of manufacturing or importing tobacco products which do not meet the new requirements and existing standards could face a fine and imprisonment of up to 10 years.